Staff at Balhousie Rumbling Bridge have gone the extra mile by creating a permanent pamper room to make sure residents can enjoy a little extra TLC.
Melissa Hatt and Carol Stillie, the home’s Activities Coordinators, came up with the idea for the room, which offers a range of treatments to help the residents look and feel their best.
They can get their nails painted, enjoy a face mask or foot spa, have a massage – and even get their hair cut.
Since opening last month, the room has gone down a storm.
Carol said: “We wanted to create something that would get the residents out of their rooms and give them somewhere to go. Because of the pandemic, we have found that over the last three years some of them have become quite reluctant to leave their rooms because that is what they have become accustomed to.
“By making an appointment book, it makes it more special, almost like an outing, and gives them something to look forward to.
“It’s also a very social activity; we’ve found our residents like to come for a cup of tea and a chat, and it’s a really good experience for them. Instead of one-to-one, it’s a great group activity and the men are enjoying it as much as the women. It’s for everybody.”
Resident Elizabeth Vance, who enjoys having her hair done in the pamper room, said: “You have to get your hair done, you have to get your hair washed, and they’re very good here. I enjoy coming here.”
The room has proved particularly beneficial for the residents of the specialist Huntington’s unit at Rumbling Bridge.
Among other symptoms, Huntington’s can cause involuntary movements, but the relaxing atmosphere has made a difference for a number of the residents.
Marie Smith, a resident of the Huntington’s unit, is a huge fan of the facility and regularly visits to have her nails painted and enjoy a facemask.
“I love it. I’m happy,” she said.
Melissa said: “With Huntington’s, it means the residents are more limited in their ability to go out. The involuntary movements make it more difficult, whereas if we do it here they can come and go as they need to.
“If they’re feeling anxious they don’t have to stay. They can go away and come back. It’s easier for them and they get a lot of enjoyment out of it.”
Watch a video of the pamper room in action below.
